Editor’s note: For decades, pass efficiency has been a well-publicized measurement of quarterback performance. We think the running back position is well-suited for such measurement as well. So, we created a formula that accounts for yards, scoring, yards per attempt (carries, catches and targets), fumbles and opponent strength. See the methodology below.

Shortly after Michigan junior running back Karan Higdon had a three-touchdown, 200-yard game against Indiana on Oct. 14, a performance that helped give the Wolverines their fifth win of the season, Higdon found himself in the middle of the Hoosiers’ field feeling nothing but elation.

So, you’ll have to excuse the fact that he doesn’t really remember how or why he decided to give his game gloves to Indiana running back coach Mike Hart. And it wasn’t just that he failed to recognize the former Michigan star, it was that Higdon had just become the Michigan running back to go for 200 yards in a single game...